Adrian Wojnarowski, a senior NBA insider for ESPN, has decided to become the general manager of the men’s basketball program at St. Bonaventure University, as he confirmed to ESPN. A proud alumnus of the school, Wojnarowski has maintained a close connection with the program over the years, helping with fundraising efforts for the university’s collective.
Wojnarowski graduated from St. Bonaventure in 1991 and is a distinguished alumnus of the Jandoli School of Communication. He expressed his excitement about returning to the university, stating, “It is a thrill of a lifetime to be able to return to a university and community that I love in a role of service to our student-athletes, coaches, and institution.” He is eager to contribute positively to the basketball program and assist in shaping the futures of the players both professionally and personally.
Since joining ESPN in 2017, Wojnarowski has also worked at Yahoo Sports and The Record of Bergen County in New Jersey. He announced his retirement from ESPN, stating, “I am retiring from a dream job at ESPN and am so incredibly grateful for my time and experiences with the Worldwide Leader.”
The general manager position in college basketball has gained popularity recently as the transfer portal has increased roster changes within the sport. This role will involve managing name, image, and likeness deals, recruiting, and supporting head coach Mark Schmidt.
St. Bonaventure’s athletic director, Bob Beretta, praised Wojnarowski’s appointment, noting, “Woj is the perfect person to fill this new role, combining his intimate knowledge of St. Bonaventure and our Franciscan values with a deep network of relationships he has built across the worlds of professional and intercollegiate basketball.” He remarked on Wojnarowski’s willingness to transition from a lucrative media career to serve his alma mater.
In a heartfelt statement on social media, Wojnarowski reflected on his journey, mentioning that he grew up just a couple of miles from ESPN’s headquarters and always dreamed of being a sportswriter. He expressed gratitude for his mentors and colleagues over the years and acknowledged that while his time in the news industry was transformative, he was ready for a new chapter that was more personally meaningful.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro shared his admiration for Wojnarowski, recognizing his exceptional work ethic and contributions to the industry, while also supporting his decision to embark on this new life path.